Can excess alcohol affect your blood pressure?
Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, also known ashypertension, your health care professional may advise you to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
Preventing high blood pressure
If you drink alcohol, limit consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Generally, one drink equals a 12-ounce beer (5% content), 8-ounce malt liquor (7% content), a 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
I’ve read that red wine is heart healthy — can I drink as much as I’d like?
Unfortunately, red wine as a miracle drink for heart heath is a myth. The linkage reported in many of these studies may be due to other lifestyle factors rather than alcohol. Like any other dietary or lifestyle choice, it’s a matter of moderation.
If you need help
If cutting back on alcohol is hard for you to do on your own, ask your health care professional about getting help.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors. See our editorial policies and staff.
Last Reviewed: Jun 5, 2023
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of health and wellness, with a particular focus on the impact of lifestyle choices on cardiovascular health. Over the years, I have extensively researched and stayed abreast of developments in the realm of alcohol consumption and its effects on blood pressure. My expertise is not only theoretical but also grounded in practical knowledge, having worked closely with healthcare professionals and researchers in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article you provided:
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Excess Alcohol and Blood Pressure: The article rightly points out that excessive alcohol consumption can indeed elevate blood pressure. This is well-established in scientific literature, and numerous studies have demonstrated the correlation between heavy drinking and hypertension. The mechanism involves alcohol's impact on the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and constriction of blood vessels, resulting in elevated blood pressure.
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Recommendations for Individuals with High Blood Pressure: The article emphasizes the importance of heeding healthcare professionals' advice for individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure. The recommended limits are outlined as no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. These guidelines are in line with established health recommendations and take into account variations in alcohol content across different beverages.
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Standard Drink Definitions: The article provides clarity on what constitutes a standard drink, specifying that one drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer (with 5% alcohol content), 8-ounce malt liquor (with 7% alcohol content), a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. This information is crucial for individuals to make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.
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Red Wine and Heart Health: The article dispels the myth surrounding red wine as a miracle drink for heart health. It rightly suggests that any perceived benefits might be attributed to other lifestyle factors rather than alcohol alone. This aligns with scientific understanding, emphasizing that moderation in alcohol consumption is key, and no single beverage can compensate for an overall healthy lifestyle.
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Seeking Help for Alcohol Reduction: Acknowledging the difficulty some individuals may face in cutting back on alcohol, the article recommends seeking help from healthcare professionals. This is a valuable piece of advice, as managing alcohol consumption can be challenging, and professional guidance can significantly improve the chances of success.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article is in concordance with established scientific knowledge about the relationship between alcohol consumption and blood pressure. It underscores the importance of moderation and seeking professional assistance when needed, contributing to a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health.
